It's obvious from the opening piano notes that the latest from keyboard duo A Triggering Myth is going to have a slightly jazzier feel to it than some of the bands more symphonic past releases. With the inclusion of super fusion musicians Scott McGill on guitar and Vic Stevens on drums fleshing out the line-up for Forgiving Eden, a healthy dose of jazz is indeed injected into this longtime prog ensemble.
Founding members Rick Eddy and Tim Drumheller have created here a 43-minute progressive rock symphony, which is basically one long song broken into movements. The contrast between the classical tinged symphonic sections (which is a ATM trademark) and the more fusion oriented passages is a nice change for the band, and reminds me a little of Happy the Man or even some of the older Canterbury bands like Hatfield and the North or Soft Machine. If you listen carefully you might even pick up some possible UK influences as well, seeing as Scott McGill has a Holdsworth style to his playing. Eddy and Drumheller are both accomplished players on the keyboards, and the listener is treated to majestic tapestries of sound created with electric piano and synthesizers, as well as amazing solo spots that rival Rick Wakeman's insane Moog excursions from the 70's. Vic Stevens adds his gymnastic drum work throughout, and McGill's impressive technique on both electric and acoustic injects raw firepower on occasion, and sheer beauty on others. Movement three is a tender piece of music that has lush piano work complemented by McGill's gentle acoustic picking, and is simply marvelous. Other parts, especially the more driving electric ones, show the bands full fusion leanings, with raging synths, searing guitar, and locked-in drums, that bring to mind vintage Return to Forever or modern day Planet X.
Forgiving Eden is a great combination of symphonic progressive rock and jazz-fusion, and a great step forward for A Triggering Myth. The band has managed to create a long-form piece of music that is both invigorating and challenging for the listener. Recommended!
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